chapter 2: molecular biology

4 most common biological elements

the macrocolecules:

• carbohydrates
• proteins
• nucleic acids
• lipids

polymer

chain of monomers (subunits of polymer molecules)

monomers

a molecule that can be bonded to other identical molecules to form a polymer.

metabolism

the combination of chemical reactions through which an organism builds up or breaks down materials

catabolism

a form of metabolism using energy to break down molecules (eg. starch is broken down into amylose and amylopectin)

anabolism

a form of metabolism that requiring energy to form larger molecules (glycerol and fatty acids make up triglyceride molecules)

enzymes

Catalysts for chemical reactions in living things, help break down and speed up chemical reactions

dehydration synthesis

condensation reaction where molecules are connected by loss of a water molecule.

hydrolysis

breaking down complex molecules by the chemical addition of water